Effect of Different Parts (Leaf, Stem and Stalk) and Seasons (Summer and Winter) on the Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant Activity of Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera, Lam. (Moringaceae) is grown world-wide in the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia and Africa and contains abundant various nutrients. This study describes the effect of different parts (leaf, stem and stalk) and seasons (summer and winter) on the chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of M. oleifera grown in Taiwan. The results showed that the winter samples of Moringa had higher ash (except the stalk part), calcium and phenolic compounds (except the leaf part) and stronger antioxidative activity than summer samples. The methanolic extract of Moringa showed strong scavenging effect of DPPH radicals and reducing power. The trend of antioxidative activity as a function of the part of Moringa was: leaf > stem > stalk for samples from both seasons investigated. The Moringa extract showed strong hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and high Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity except the stalk part

Development of a consensus core dataset in juvenile dermatomyositis for clinical use to inform research

Objectives This study aimed to develop consensus on an internationally agreed dataset for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), designed for clinical use, to enhance collaborative research and allow integration of data between centres. Methods A prototype dataset was developed through a formal process that included analysing items within existing databases of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. This template was used to aid a structured multistage consensus process. Exploiting Delphi methodology, two web-based questionnaires were distributed to healthcare professionals caring for patients with JDM identified through email distribution lists of international paediatric rheumatology and myositis research groups. A separate questionnaire was sent to parents of children with JDM and patients with JDM, identified through established research networks and patient support groups. The results of these parallel processes informed a face-to-face nominal group consensus meeting of international myositis experts, tasked with defining the content of the dataset. This developed dataset was tested in routine clinical practice before review and finalisation. Results A dataset containing 123 items was formulated with an accompanying glossary. Demographic and diagnostic data are contained within form A collected at baseline visit only, disease activity measures are included within form B collected at every visit and disease damage items within form C collected at baseline and annual visits thereafter. Conclusions Through a robust international process, a consensus dataset for JDM has been formulated that can capture disease activity and damage over time. This dataset can be incorporated into national and international collaborative efforts, including existing clinical research databases

Deer slow down litter decomposition by reducing litter quality in a temperate forest

International audienceLitter decomposition is a key process that allows the recycling of nutrients within ecosystems. In temperate forests the role of large herbivores in litter decomposition remains a subject of debate. To address this question, we used two litterbag experiments in a quasi-experimental situation resulting from the introduction of Sitka black-tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis on forested islands of Haida Gwaii (Canada). We investigated the two main pathways by which deer could modify litter decomposition: change in litter quality and modification of decomposer communities. We found that deer presence significantly reduced litter mass loss after one year, mainly through a reduction in litter quality. This mass loss reflected a 30 and 28 % lower loss of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), respectively. The presence of deer also reduced the ability of decomposers to breakdown carbon, but not nitrogen. Indeed, litter placed on an island with deer lost 5% less carbon after one year of decomposition than did litter decomposing on an island without deer. This loss in ability to decompose litter in presence of deer was outweighed by the differences in mass loss associated with the effect of deer on litter quality. Additional effects of feces deposition by deer on the decomposition process were also significant but minor. These results suggest that the effects continental-scale dramatic increases in deer populations may have on broad-scale patterns of C and N cycling deserve closer attention

Factors associated with pain in children with hypermobility – a pilot study

ObjectivesTo explore the relationships between the degree of musculoskeletal pain, pain associated with disability and quality of life are affected by having hypermobile joints. MethodsYoung people aged between 8-14 were recruited from the rheumatology based Non-Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Pain Clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital over a 12 month period. They were assessed using biomechanical measures (muscle strength and degree of hypermobility), sensory processing using Quantitative Sensory Testing and psychological measures of anxiety, depression and pain coping styles using validated questions. Full Ethics approval was granted. Results30 children were recruited (18 female: 12 male); mean age 11.08 with 77% being Caucasian. The mean Beighton score was 6.79/9. All patients reported pain mainly affecting lower limbs with an average score of 49/100 VAS. Degree of hypermobility did not have any impact. Reduced muscle strength was associated with increased pain and reduced quality of life. Other measures were compared to the norms for healthy children. Children with hypermobility appeared to demonstrate increased depression, negative mood, anhedonia and increased anxiety. They demonstrated reduced quality of life specifically with school, emotional well being, physical health and psychosocially. The subjects also had reduced sensitivity to touch including hot and cold. ConclusionThe pain experienced by children with hypermobile joints is complex and includes biomechanical, sensory, psychological and social factors. This pilot study is planned to be expanded into a multi-centred project depending upon funding<br/

Gastroenteritis Outbreak Associated with Unpasteurized Tempeh, North Carolina, USA

During an investigation of an outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+), we identified unpasteurized tempeh as a novel food vehicle and Rhizopus spp. starter culture as the source of the contamination. Safe handling of uncooked, unpasteurized tempeh should be emphasized for prevention of foodborne illnesses